Project Analyst

Project Analyst

The construction Project Analyst plays a critical role in supporting the financial success of construction projects through proactive analysis, forecasting, and budget management. This role partners closely with Project Managers and Project Executives to provide real-time financial insights, monitor project performance, and drive accurate cost-to-complete forecasting. This role is forward-looking and focused on project financial strategy, risk identification, and decision support.

Overall Focus

• Drive project budget forecasting and cost-to-complete accuracy.
• Provide financial insights and analytics to support project teams.
• Identify financial risks, trends, and cost variances.
• Support data-driven decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with Project Managers to develop detailed, cost-effective project forecasts.
• Monitor project financial performance, including budgets, commitments, and productivity.
• Provide proactive recommendations to improve project profitability and mitigate risk.
• Serve as a key liaison between operations and finance, ensuring alignment of financial data with field activities.
• Support a positive, professional, team-oriented work environment.
• Respond to inquiries from the Project Team and Executive Management Team.
• Protect the organization's value by maintaining confidentiality of financial information.

Project Financial Management & Forecasting

• Track and maintain project budgets, commitments, and cost changes, ensuring alignment between field operations and financial data.
• Review subcontractor commitments and change orders, ensuring accuracy and proper financial impact.
• Monitor overall project financial performance, including cost trends, variances, and productivity.
• Support and reinforce cost control best practices across assigned projects.
• Assist with budget updates tied to change orders and evolving project conditions.

Financial Analysis & Risk

• Identify financial risks and opportunities early, providing proactive recommendations to improve profitability and mitigate exposure.
• Support financial decision-making and scenario planning through detailed analysis and forecasting.
• Assist leadership with project-level financial insights to support strategic decisions.

Communication & Reporting

• Prepare and present project financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to project teams and executive leadership.
• Communicate key findings clearly and effectively, translating financial data into actionable insights.
• Collaborate with accounting to ensure project costs are recorded accurately and timely.
• Support cost coding alignment between accounting systems and project execution.
• Provide financial input and support for owner pay applications, ensuring alignment with project financials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field.
• A minimum of 2-3 years' experience in construction accounting, project controls or financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of construction cost accounting and forecasting preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP software (Acumatica preferred).
• Solid analytical and mathematical skills.
• Ability to adapt to different personalities and management styles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, Intermediate Excel preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Knowledge of paperless environment software is a plus (Timberscan).
• Ability to travel to job sites.

Attributes for Success

1. Candidate must possess Thornton's Core Values: Safety, Community, Empowerment, Quality and Service, Professionalism, and Accountability.
2. Must be customer service oriented, both internally and externally.
3. Effectively manage one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
4. Strong organizational skills; must be detail-oriented and accurate.
5. Behavior and conduct exhibit a positive attitude and outlook on work, business relationships, goals/objectives, and expected performance.
6. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, multi-task, and prioritize to meet deadlines by thorough problem-solving.
7. Due to the independent nature of work, must be a self-starter, dependable on attendance and work schedules.
8. Able to exhibit a high level of confidentiality.
9. Ability to prioritize tasks, work effectively under stress, meet short deadlines and take direction.